Snake bites in dogs and cats.
It's important to know the signs of snake bite to look for in your pet.
Not all snakes are created equal, as such the bite from a brown snake can have different effects on your pet than that from of a black snake.
Brown Snake bites often have a RAPID onset of signs including, but not limited to;
• Vomiting, diarrhoea
• Weakness in the legs – starting at the hindlegs
• Laboured breathing
• Floppy paralysis (particularly cats)
• Sudden collapse
Black Snake bites often have a SLOWER onset of clinical signs;
• Vomiting, diarrhoea
• Weakness, or wobbly when walking
• Laboured breathing
• Blood in urine
• Lethargy, muscle pain, reluctance to move
• Dark red gums
• Swellings or discharge from the bite site
At the clinic we are able to assess your pet, and perform tests to aid in the diagnosis of snake bite. If we suspect snake bite, we inject antivenom into your pet, and support them with intravenous fluids and pain relief. They are often in hospital for several days whilst recovering, and unfortunately despite best efforts, some do not survive.
So remember, if you are suspicious of snake bite, please get in contact with us at Yass Veterinary Hospital immediately - a few minutes can mean the difference between your pet surviving or succumbing to the venom.
